One Secret To Successful Bargain Shopping.

Merry Christmas, my fellow fashionistas!

This week I typically avoid stores and malls. What I have found over the years is that people are crazy stressed and desperate to buy what they need. Fashion statements tend not to be made during this time, so I bow out, ever so gracefully.

I have a humorous fashion tale to tell as we wind down 2010, though! So here goes....

My true friends know that once my day is over I put my work face and fashion mind to rest and enjoy the many other aspects of my full life. I have a relatively new friend that I met about 8 months ago at hot yoga. We met one day at class when I realized her car's license plate read SHOPPER 2 and I asked her about it. She works full time to support her love for shopping. Oh my!

She is the ultimate queen of discount bargain shopping. Over the past several months, she has often mentioned her great steals and deals at a local large department and discount store chain. She refuses to pay full retail and will hold out until it is a true bargain! Finally she divulged to me how she accomplishes this successful plan. She takes a full price item from the rack and stashes it on another rack, well away from the original rack. Since we all know that clean up in department stores is not always done, she is able to keep tabs on the item over a several week period. Her bargain this week was a $59 blouse for $8!

Happy Holidays!

From my closet to yours,
Suzanne

P.S. Did I mention that she owns over 300 pairs of shoes?

Winter Styles for Kids!

In case you missed it on My Carolina Today, here's Suzanne's segment on winter styles for kids from 77 Kids in Raleigh's Crabtree Valley Mall.

How to get the most bang for your buck when buying holiday wear....

This Friday on My Carolina Today...

I frequent local consignment stores to consign client's goods, or searching for that little gem that may be hiding amongst the racks. This year I have found a few gems - like the great Kay Unger gold raw silk dress that makes me feel like Joan Cleaver from Leave it to Beaver! Every time I wear it I feel somewhat magical, and oh, so lovely. It is a true departure from my usual attire, but confirms my love for clothing of old.

This week I traveled to Villa Consegna at Five Points in Raleigh. The owners, John and Margo, have been doing the consignment thing for probably longer than I have been a stylist. Obviously, their competition has stiffened in the past 5 years as other stores have made their way into the area. I thought I would do a segment on My Carolina Today on getting the most bang for your buck when purchasing holiday wear at a local consignment store. This is what I have come up with and wanted to share if you. Be sure to catch the video segment Friday (12/17) on My Carolina Today - 11am on NBC17 in Raleigh.

1. Evaluate what holiday parties and functions you may need festive clothing for.
2. Check your closet and see what you have that may work or what you may need to add.
3. Set a budget and plan to stick to it.
4. Visit the consignment store with a friend to get her opinion on possible selections.
5. Check for accessories at the consignment store that may complete the outfits.
6. Ask the shop owner if they can do any better on the price of any garments you want to purchase. I expect they would rather move the goods out the door than to hang onto them for the new year!

Happy Shopping!

From my closet to yours -

Suzanne

Taking Menswear From Day To Night

From My Carolina Today, weekdays at 11am on NBC17 in Raleigh, NC.

Savvy Stylist Suzanne Libfraind shows how to transition men’s fashion from the office to the office party.

Top Tips:

• When transitioning a business casual outfit from day to evening, wear a dark pant and a sports jacket to layer
• An optional look from day to evening is layering with a v-neck cashmere or a zip up sweater over a basic button down shirt
• For a dressier holiday look add a basic colored pocked square to your sports jacket and a crisp white non-tab collared shirt
• Lastly, patterned shirts, textured jackets and pants always add a touch of dress to any weekend or evening wear.

Scrimp or Splurge?

Scrimp.
Jessica Simpson does it again with this Sugar Mama Shopper bucket bag for $48.00...love the natural python look!
Click Here

Splurge.
If you gotta stay on trend, try this bucket bag in black snake by B. Makowsky...fabulous look and feel priced at $328.00.
Click Here